Do we use our makeup as makeup?

I am feeling like the collective personality of our society could be compared to Col. Frank Fitts, USMC, played by Chris Cooper in the 1999 film American Beauty. Yes, I’m over-simplifying, and no I did not say: sums up, perfectly. We could pick a number of different characters from just about anywhere — but to illustrate how I’m feeling at the moment, I’m choosing Frank Fitts.

I feel our neurological makeup is being used against us. I am not suggesting that there is any complicated conspiracy that has been in the works — that sounds too complicated. However, I do feel that we are encouraged to apply the-way-in-which-we-are-composed as a cosmetic which conceals who-we-really-want-to-be.

Do we use our makeup as makeup?

If we accept that evolution is not inherently progressive, then I feel like we have to at least consider this as a possibility.

It may be believed that our makeup as human beings is one that begs us to make associations, affiliations, simplifications and connections. As a survival mechanism, our collective brain wants the journey for identity to be concluded, so that we can feel safe and at home in our minds and our home. It wants to know it’s role, purpose and function … and wants to know it now … so it can identify friends and enemies.

Do we live in a society where this is still necessary? Does it have to be? In this rush to “know who we are” … are we obstructing the path to a more mature existence?

Why is it such a noble thing to have a “job”? Why is it so important to be able to define what-you-do in a single word or a concise phrase? Is it important, because it’s what is best for us — or because it’s what our human brains have preferred since their emergence?

Can you imagine a society in which we are each encouraged to write the story, before we select a title? I understand the need for goals. But titles? Jobs?

Col. Frank Fitts, USMC, believed that he needed a title, but, ultimately, he wasn’t convinced that it was important.